De Vries In Line For Birmingham Return

Dutch stopper Dorus de Vries looks set to make an earlier than expected return to action against Birmingham City this Friday.

The Swansea goalkeeper sustained a broken cheekbone four weeks ago at home to QPR which was expected to keep him out for 6-8 weeks.

But De Vries has been back in training for the past week and is challenging Dimi Konstantopoulos for the gloves with the help of a protective mask.

Roberto Martinez spoke to the Evening Post about the goalkeeping situation at the Liberty:

'Dorus is progressing extremely well, quicker than what we expected.'

'He is probably two weeks ahead of what the doctor predicted. Dorus has shown no fear since the first day and has been training well. We will assess him and see how he feels.

'For the next three or four weeks he will have to wear the protective mask, maybe even longer. A bit of extra protection when coming out for high balls can put you off, so it gives you that extra support.'

Martinez has been impressed with the loanee 'keepers in De Vries' absence and may look to sign either Konstantopolous or Artur Krysiak on a permanent basis.

'Dimi is someone that has been very frustrated (with a lack of football).'

'He has come in, played football, enjoyed it and is in the best stage of his career.'

'His loan finishes before the game at Coventry. We will sit down with Dimi to see how he feels and then it will be between ourselves and Coventry to discuss the possibilities and options.'

'We also have Artur, and he has been training very hard. He is a young man with a fantastic future.'

Meanwhile, the Swans have been boosted by Ferrie Bodde and Leon Britton shaking off knocks from the weekend, whilst Marcos Painters operation was a success.

As for Cardiff City, Joe Ledley has been ruled out of the derby game at the end of the month with a finger injury.